Robert Carlton Withers, 81, of Huntington, WV, went to be with his Lord on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Guyandotte Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Bob was born on March 10, 1945, in Huntington, WV, the son of the late Carl Dewey and Mary Margaret Hennen Withers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his half-sisters, Gerry Perry and Emogene Vanatter.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard. He retired from The Herald-Dispatch after a distinguished career as a journalist and faithfully served as pastor of Seventh Avenue Baptist Church for 45 years. He was a life-long resident of the Guyandotte neighborhood of Huntington. As a part of the Images of America book series, he wrote about the history and lore of the area. He used pictures and stories from his childhood and family experiences to tell stories of Guyandotte making note of especially distinctive businesses and people who had a significant impact. He spoke of various events connected to the Civil War as well as the historical logging and steamboat industries that served the area. And he shared beautiful pictures of Guyandotte especially highlighting the impact of Guyandotte United Methodist Church on his own life. A lifelong railroad enthusiast, Bob authored 22 books on railroad history and served as the current president of the Railroad Historical Society. He wrote many articles for Trains Magazines as well as other periodicals. He loved to throw in the dreaded train picture or two (or 50) when sharing a family slide show that was supposed to only be showing vacation pics! Bob had a great love of history and preserving the rich heritage of the railroads. But he will be remembered most for his unwavering faith and his dedication to ministry—until his last day on this earth, his greatest passion in life was telling others about Jesus.

If you spent any time at all with Bob, you know he loved to tell a good (or not-so-good) joke. He had a running list in his pocket notebook and specific files on his computer to help keep track of his favorites. The family always loved to travel. They once took a three-week family adventure to California and along the way made stops at the Badlands, Yellow Stone, Mesa Verde, and the Grand Canyon National Parks among others. The family also made many trips to Walt Disney World. Bob and Sue Ann were especially excited to share their favorite place with the grandkids when they came along, and they continued passing on this beloved Mickey tradition. His favorite ride was the Haunted Mansion, and he enjoyed humming the theme song to others at any opportunity. With each trip, he took meticulous notes of when they left, when they arrived, when and where they stopped along the way and even noted every bathroom stop along the way. His travel journals were some of his most prized possessions.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sue Ann Saunders Withers; three daughters, Rev. Mary Elizabeth Withers of Harrisonburg, VA, Julie Ann Armstead and her husband, Brad, of Huntington, and Leah Mae Withers Losh of Barboursville; four cherished grandchildren, Kelci Armstead, Braeden Armstead, Katie (Jacob) Campbell, and Kaleb Losh; nephews, Jim Perry and Allen Vanatter; cousin, John Hennen, and a host of dear friends and his church family, all of whom will deeply miss him.

Those wishing to honor Bob's memory may make memorial contributions to Guyandotte Methodist Church Ceiling Fund, 305 Main Street, Huntington, WV 25702.

Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.beardmortuary.com.